Official: Draxler signs new Schalke deal

The highly-prized midfielder has penned a contract extension until 2018, warding off potential interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund

By Hassan Talib Haji

Julian Draxler has signed a new contract with Schalke to keep him at the club until 2018, it has been officially confirmed.

As Goal revealed earlier on Thursday, the attacking midfielder's previous deal was due to expire in June 2016, but interest from clubs such as Juventus, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund prompted Schalke to offer him a two-year extension with a significant pay-rise.

Draxler had recently already revealed that he had no intention to leave Schalke any time soon, taking a swipe at the prospect of joining Bundesliga rivals BVB in the process.

"Under no circumstances will I play for Borussia Dortmund in the coming season. I'd have to be brainwashed to join Dortmund," the 19-year-old said.

The youngster is a product of the Schalke youth academy and has developed into a key player at the Gelsenkirchen side in the past few seasons.

Draxler has netted nine goals in 29 league appearances so far this term, helping them to fourth place in the table with two more games to go.